## The Dawn of Interactive Video Technology
In a world where entertainment is rapidly evolving, London-based AI lab Odyssey has launched a groundbreaking research preview of its innovative AI model that transforms standard video into immersive interactive experiences. Initially aimed at enhancing \1 for film and game production, Odyssey has unveiled a prototype that hints at an entirely new medium of entertainment. With this technology, users can engage with video content in real-time, responding to it through various inputs such as keyboards, mobile devices, or game controllers. As Odyssey puts it, this model is an early version of the ‘Holodeck’—a vision once relegated to the realm of science fiction.

## The Mechanics Behind the Magic
At the heart of Odyssey’s technology lies a complex yet fascinating concept known as a ‘world model.’ Unlike conventional video technologies that generate entire clips or sequences at once, \1 operate frame-by-frame. This method enables the AI to predict subsequent frames based on the current state of the video and any user inputs. By leveraging principles similar to those found in large language models, but on a scale of high-resolution video, Odyssey’s approach is infinitely more intricate. In essence, each interaction causes the model to analyze the current state, the user’s actions, and the history of the video, creating a more organic and unpredictable experience than traditional gaming systems offer.

## Navigating the Challenges of AI Video Generation
Creating this type of \1 is no simple feat. One of the most significant challenges developers face is maintaining stability over time. As the AI generates each frame based on previous ones, minor errors can accumulate, leading to what researchers term ‘drift.’ Odyssey addresses this issue by employing a ‘narrow distribution model,’ which involves pre-training the AI on a broad range of video footage before fine-tuning it on a specific set of environments. This strategy may limit variety but enhances stability, preventing the digital world from devolving into an incoherent spectacle.

## Cost Considerations and Future Efficiency
Of course, running this sophisticated technology in real-time comes at a price. The infrastructure required to support Odyssey’s \1 currently costs between £0.80-£1.60 (1-2) per user-hour, powered by clusters of cutting-edge H100 GPUs across the US and EU. While these costs may seem steep compared to traditional video streaming, they pale in comparison to the expenses associated with producing standard game or film content. Odyssey anticipates that as their models become more efficient, these costs will continue to decline, making interactive video more accessible to creators and consumers alike.

## The Next Frontier in Storytelling
Throughout history, technological advancements have continually reshaped storytelling—from cave paintings to modern cinema. Odyssey posits that AI-generated \1 represents the next evolution in this long tradition. If their vision comes to fruition, we may be on the brink of a significant transformation in entertainment, education, advertising, and beyond. Envision a world where training videos allow for skill practice in real-time or travel experiences permit virtual exploration from the comfort of one’s home.

## A Glimpse into the Future
The research preview currently available is merely a first step towards realizing this ambitious vision—a proof of concept rather than a finished product. However, it provides an exciting glimpse into the potential of AI-generated worlds that can serve as interactive playgrounds rather than just passive experiences. As \1 continues to refine their technology, the possibilities for the entertainment landscape appear boundless.

For those eager to experience this novel approach to video, the research preview offers a unique opportunity to engage with the future of storytelling. The potential implications of this groundbreaking technology are vast, and as we stand on the threshold of this new era, the time to explore is now.